WO2014133556A1 - Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller - Google Patents

Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014133556A1
WO2014133556A1 PCT/US2013/031157 US2013031157W WO2014133556A1 WO 2014133556 A1 WO2014133556 A1 WO 2014133556A1 US 2013031157 W US2013031157 W US 2013031157W WO 2014133556 A1 WO2014133556 A1 WO 2014133556A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tablet computer
sides
input device
input
sided structure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/031157
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthew R. Joynes
James Bower
Original Assignee
Wikipad, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wikipad, Inc. filed Critical Wikipad, Inc.
Publication of WO2014133556A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014133556A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G06F1/1669—Detachable keyboards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1662—Details related to the integrated keyboard
    • G06F1/1671—Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1043—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being characterized by constructional details
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device

Definitions

  • an apparatus in a preferred embodiment includes a tablet computer, the tablet computer preferably providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer, and an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer.
  • the electronic game preferably provides an object displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer, and movement of the object is controlled by an input device.
  • the input device includes at least a pair of side structures, one of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a first side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the second side structure of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a second side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, wherein the first and second sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer are opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer.
  • the input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein the input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of side structures and adjacent a third side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer.
  • the bridge structure in combination with the pair of side structures form a three sided structure in which the tablet computer nests such that the tablet computer is confined by the three sided structure, and the three sided structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an embodiment of an electronic game control apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
  • FIG. 2 shows a back plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 displays a right side plan view, with partial cutaway, of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a right side plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 i llustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an input device of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • the present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus directed to controlling electronic games, also referred to herein as video games, or computer games.
  • the apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game.
  • the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer.
  • the input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least tw o opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure.
  • the third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
  • FIG. 1 provides an exemplary game controller 100 capable of being used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • the exemplary game controller 100 has at least a tablet computer 102 that providing a plurality of sides, such as 104, 106, 108, and 126. Each of the plurality of sides 104. 106, and 108 are disposed between an electronic display screen 1 10 (also referred herein to as a touch screen 1 10, for use in interacting with the applications provided by the tablet computer 102), of the tablet computer 102, and a back 1 12 (shown by FIG. 2) of the tablet computer 1 02.
  • the exemplary game controller 100 further preferably includes an input device 1 14.
  • the input device 1 14 provides a pair of side structures, 1 16 and 1 1 8.
  • One of the pair of side structures, for example 1 16, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a first side, such as 1 04 of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102.
  • the second side structure of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a second side, such as 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102, wherein the first and second sides, such as 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 1 06, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102 are opposing sides of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.
  • the input device 1 14 further provides a plurality of input switches 120 and 122, wherein the input switches 120 and 122 are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 1 04, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102, and a bridge structure 1 24, disposed between the pair of side structures 1 16 and 1 18, and adjacent the third side 126, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 1 26, of the tablet computer 102.
  • the bridge structure 124 in combination with the pair of side structures 1 16 and 1 18 form a three sided structure 128 (of FIG.
  • the exemplary game controller 100 of FIG. 1 further preferably includes a video game 130.
  • the video game 130 provides a virtual object 132 displayed by the electronic display screen 1 10, the virtual object 132 is responsive to input from the input device 1 14.
  • An example of a response of the virtual object 132 would be movement of the virtual object 132, or the loading of an alternate computer game, based on a predetermined signal provided by the input device 1 14, or an appearance of a character.
  • FIG. 1 displays the housings of the plurality of . switches, whereas at least some of the plurality of switches are shown in the partial cutaway of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary game controller 100, and reveals the back 1 12 of the tablet computer 102.
  • the input device 1 14 which provides a pair of trigger switches 136 and 138, supported by their corresponding side structures 1 16 and 1 1 8 respectively, and grip rail 1 1 5, integrated into the back 1 12.
  • the grip rail 1 1 5 accommodates a user ' s hand, and in particular a user's thumb, to stabilize the tablet computer 102, when interacting with the tablet computer 102 without use of the input device 1 14.
  • FIG. 2 shows the bridge structure 124, of the input device 1 14, provides structural support for a grasp feature 125.
  • the grasp feature 125 interacts with the grip rail 1 15, to enhance the user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer when accessing the tablet computer 102 through the touch screen 1 10, of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 there shown is a predetermined number of the plurality of switches 140, collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus 142, the input apparatus 142 controls display of virtual objects displayed on the electronic display screen 1 10 of the tablet computer 102.
  • the input apparatus 142 is a joystick 142.
  • FIG. 3 further shows that the input device 1 14 provides a plurality of buttons 144 and 120 which activate corresponding switches 145 and 121 .
  • the main function of the trigger 1 38, the joystick 142, and the buttons 144 and 120 is to govern the movement/actions of a playable body/object or otherwise influence events in a video game 130 (of FIG. 1 ) or an alternate computer game.
  • FIG. 3 further shows the contour and projection of the grip rail I 1 5 extending from the back 1 12, of the tablet computer 102.
  • FIG. 4 shows the interaction of the grip rail 1 15 and the grasp feature 125, which enhances the user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer 102 when operating the tablet computer 102 through the touch screen 1 10.
  • FIG. 4 further shows that the exemplary game controller 100, further includes a second joystick 146, and a second button 148, which are provided on the side structure 1 16, adjacent the trigger switch 1 36.
  • FIG. 5 shows the central processing unit (CPU) 150, of the input device 1 14.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • FIG. 6 shows the input device 1 14 includes the CPU 150, interacting with the plurality of switches 152, which preferably include at least switches 120, 122, 1 36, 1 38, 142, 144, 146, and 148.
  • FIG. 6 further shows the input device 1 14 further includes a communications protocol 154 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device 1 14.
  • a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol is utilized.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the communications protocol 154 is not limited to a USB protocol.
  • FIG. 6 further shows that the tablet computer 102 preferably includes at least a CPU 156, interacting with the electronic display screen 1 10, the video game 130, a device driver 158, which facilitates the interaction between the tablet computer 102 and the input device 1 14, and a communications protocol 160 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 1 02, and the input device 1 14.
  • a Universal Serial Bus USB
  • communications protocol is util ized.
  • the communications protocol 160 is not limited to a USB protocol.
  • FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary game controller 162, in which the device driver 158 and the video game 130 are located in the input device 1 14.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game (130). The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer (102), an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device (114) for controlling movement of a virtual object (132) provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures (116, 118) adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides (104, 106, 108, and 126) of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches (120, 122), wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides (104, 108) of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure (124) disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure (128). The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.

Description

TABLET COMPUTER WITH GRIP RAIL AND GAME CONTROLLER
Summary
In a preferred embodiment an apparatus includes a tablet computer, the tablet computer preferably providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the tablet computer, and an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer. The electronic game preferably provides an object displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer, and movement of the object is controlled by an input device.
In a preferred embodiment, the input device includes at least a pair of side structures, one of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a first side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the second side structure of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a second side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, wherein the first and second sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer are opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein the input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of side structures and adjacent a third side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The bridge structure in combination with the pair of side structures form a three sided structure in which the tablet computer nests such that the tablet computer is confined by the three sided structure, and the three sided structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
Brief Description of t he Drawings
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, with partial cutaway, of an embodiment of an electronic game control apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
FIG. 2 shows a back plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 displays a right side plan view, with partial cutaway, of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
FIG. 4 depicts a right side plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ,
constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
FIG. 5 i llustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of an input device of FIG. 1 , constructed in accordance with various embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
Detailed Description
The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus directed to controlling electronic games, also referred to herein as video games, or computer games. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least tw o opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an exemplary game controller 100 capable of being used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary game controller 100 has at least a tablet computer 102 that providing a plurality of sides, such as 104, 106, 108, and 126. Each of the plurality of sides 104. 106, and 108 are disposed between an electronic display screen 1 10 (also referred herein to as a touch screen 1 10, for use in interacting with the applications provided by the tablet computer 102), of the tablet computer 102, and a back 1 12 (shown by FIG. 2) of the tablet computer 1 02. The exemplary game controller 100 further preferably includes an input device 1 14.
In a preferred embodiment, the input device 1 14 provides a pair of side structures, 1 16 and 1 1 8. One of the pair of side structures, for example 1 16, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a first side, such as 1 04 of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102. The second side structure of the pair of side structures, such as 1 1 8, is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer 102 on a second side, such as 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102, wherein the first and second sides, such as 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 104, 1 06, 108, and 126 of the tablet computer 102 are opposing sides of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102.
In a preferred embodiment, the input device 1 14 further provides a plurality of input switches 120 and 122, wherein the input switches 120 and 122 are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides 104 and 108, of the plurality of sides 1 04, 106, 108, and 126, of the tablet computer 102, and a bridge structure 1 24, disposed between the pair of side structures 1 16 and 1 18, and adjacent the third side 126, of the plurality of sides 104, 106, 108, and 1 26, of the tablet computer 102. The bridge structure 124 in combination with the pair of side structures 1 16 and 1 18 form a three sided structure 128 (of FIG. 5) (also referred to herein as a u-shaped structure 128 of the input device 1 14), in which the tablet computer 102 nests, such that the tablet computer 102 is confined by the u-shaped structure 128, and the u-shaped structure 128 mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer 102 from the u-shaped structure 128 when the tablet computer 102 is fu lly nested within the three sided structure 128.
The exemplary game controller 100 of FIG. 1 , further preferably includes a video game 130. Preferably, the video game 130 provides a virtual object 132 displayed by the electronic display screen 1 10, the virtual object 132 is responsive to input from the input device 1 14. An example of a response of the virtual object 132 would be movement of the virtual object 132, or the loading of an alternate computer game, based on a predetermined signal provided by the input device 1 14, or an appearance of a character. It is noted that FIG. 1 displays the housings of the plurality of . switches, whereas at least some of the plurality of switches are shown in the partial cutaway of FIG. 3.
FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary game controller 100, and reveals the back 1 12 of the tablet computer 102. Further shown by FIG. 2, is the input device 1 14, which provides a pair of trigger switches 136 and 138, supported by their corresponding side structures 1 16 and 1 1 8 respectively, and grip rail 1 1 5, integrated into the back 1 12. The grip rail 1 1 5 accommodates a user's hand, and in particular a user's thumb, to stabilize the tablet computer 102, when interacting with the tablet computer 102 without use of the input device 1 14. In addition, FIG. 2 shows the bridge structure 124, of the input device 1 14, provides structural support for a grasp feature 125. The grasp feature 125 interacts with the grip rail 1 15, to enhance the user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer when accessing the tablet computer 102 through the touch screen 1 10, of FIG. 1 .
Turning to FIG. 3, there shown is a predetermined number of the plurality of switches 140, collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus 142, the input apparatus 142 controls display of virtual objects displayed on the electronic display screen 1 10 of the tablet computer 102. Preferably, the input apparatus 142 is a joystick 142. FIG. 3 further shows that the input device 1 14 provides a plurality of buttons 144 and 120 which activate corresponding switches 145 and 121 . The main function of the trigger 1 38, the joystick 142, and the buttons 144 and 120 is to govern the movement/actions of a playable body/object or otherwise influence events in a video game 130 (of FIG. 1 ) or an alternate computer game. FIG. 3 further shows the contour and projection of the grip rail I 1 5 extending from the back 1 12, of the tablet computer 102.
FIG. 4 shows the interaction of the grip rail 1 15 and the grasp feature 125, which enhances the user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer 102 when operating the tablet computer 102 through the touch screen 1 10. FIG. 4 further shows that the exemplary game controller 100, further includes a second joystick 146, and a second button 148, which are provided on the side structure 1 16, adjacent the trigger switch 1 36. While FIG. 5 shows the central processing unit (CPU) 150, of the input device 1 14.
FIG. 6 shows the input device 1 14 includes the CPU 150, interacting with the plurality of switches 152, which preferably include at least switches 120, 122, 1 36, 1 38, 142, 144, 146, and 148. FIG. 6 further shows the input device 1 14 further includes a communications protocol 154 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 102, and the input device 1 14. In a preferred embodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications protocol is utilized. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the communications protocol 154 is not limited to a USB protocol.
FIG. 6 further shows that the tablet computer 102 preferably includes at least a CPU 156, interacting with the electronic display screen 1 10, the video game 130, a device driver 158, which facilitates the interaction between the tablet computer 102 and the input device 1 14, and a communications protocol 160 providing the communication link between the tablet computer 1 02, and the input device 1 14. In a preferred embodiment, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
communications protocol is util ized. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the communications protocol 160 is not limited to a USB protocol.
FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary game controller 162, in which the device driver 158 and the video game 130 are located in the input device 1 14.
It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and configurations of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, the particular elements may vary depending on the particular tablet computer without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims:
1 . A device comprising, a tablet computer, the tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen of the tablet computer and a back of the tablet computer, wherein the back of the tablet computer provides a grip rail.
2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:
an input device in electronic communication with the tablet computer, the input device providing side structures and a backside disposed between the side structures, the side structures adjacent to and confining the tablet computer on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the input device providing a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and in which the backside of the input device provides a grasp feature interacting with the grip rail, the grasp feature enhancing a user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer; and
a device driver communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer.
3. The device of claim 2, in which the input device further comprises a bridge structure disposed between the side structures and adjacent a third side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the bridge structure in combination with the side structures form a three sided structure in which the tablet computer nests, such that the tablet computer is confined by the three sided structure, and the three sided structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure, and wherein the bridge structure provides structural support for the grasp feature.
4. The device of claim 3, in which a predetermined number of the plurality of switches collaborate with each other to form an input apparatus, the input apparatus controls display of virtual objects displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer.
5. The device of claim 1 , in which the device driver resides on the tablet computer.
6. The device of claim 1 , in which the device driver resides on the input device.
7. The device of claim 1 , in which the input device communicates with the tablet computer by way of a communications protocol.
8. The device of claim 1 , in which a select switch, of the plurality of switches, provides a housing, such that upon a manual intervention of the housing by a user, the switch produces a predetermined signal provided to the tablet computer.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a video game, the video game provides a virtual object displayed by the electronic display screen, the virtual object responsive to input from the input device.
10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a computer game, the computer game provides an object displayed by the electronic display screen, the object responsive to input from the input device, and in which a backside of the input device provides a grasp feature interacting with the grip rail, the grasp feature enhancing a user's ability to stabilize the tablet computer.
1 1 . The device of claim 10, in which the each side structure of the input device is configured to fit comfortably in a hand of a user, and, in which the input device further comprises a bridge structure disposed between the side structures and adjacent a third side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the bridge structure in com bination with the side structures form a three sided structure in which the tablet computer nests, such that the tablet computer is confined by the three sided structure, and the three sided structure m itigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is ful ly nested within the three sided structure, and wherein the bridge structure provides structural support for the grasp feature.
12. An apparatus comprising:
a tablet computer, the tablet computer providing a plurality of sides, each of the plural ity of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen of the tablet computer and a back of the tablet computer; an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, the electronic game providing an object displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer; and
means for controlling a movement of the object displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer, wherein the back of the tablet computer provides a grip rail.
1 3. The apparatus of claim 12, in which the means for controlling the movement of the object displayed on the electronic display screen is provided by an input device, the input device comprises:
a pair of side structures, one of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a first side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the second side structure of the pair of side structures is adjacent to and confines the tablet computer on a second side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, wherein the first and second sides of the plural ity of sides of the tablet computer are opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer;
a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plural ity of sides of the tablet computer; and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of side structures and adjacent a third side of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, the bridge structure in combination with the pair of side structures form a three sided structure in which the tablet computer nests such that the tablet computer is confined by the three sided structure, and the three sided structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure, and wherein the bridge structure provides structural support for the grasp feature.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprises:
a first input/output connector provided by the tablet computer;
a second input/output connector provided by the input device; and a communications protocol, the communications protocol provides
structured communication between the tablet computer and the input device when the first and second input/output connectors are connected together.
1 5. The apparatus of claim 14, in which the communications protocol is a universal serial bus, and the first and second input/output connectors are universal serial bus connectors.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the three sided structure forms a u-shaped structure.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, in which the u-shared structure provides support flanges in contact adjacency with the back of the tablet computer, the support flange supporting the grasp feature.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, in which a predetermined number of the plurality of switches collaborate with each other to form an input device, the input device controls movement of the object of the video game displayed on the electronic display screen of the tablet computer.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, in which the input device is selected from a group consisting of a trigger, a joystick, and a button.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprises a device driver communicating with each the input device and the tablet computer.
PCT/US2013/031157 2013-02-28 2013-03-14 Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller WO2014133556A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/780,588 2013-02-28
US13/780,588 US8944913B2 (en) 2011-12-20 2013-02-28 Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014133556A1 true WO2014133556A1 (en) 2014-09-04

Family

ID=48747976

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/031157 WO2014133556A1 (en) 2013-02-28 2013-03-14 Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US8944913B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2772824A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2014170514A (en)
CN (1) CN104020821A (en)
AU (1) AU2013203084A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2815988A1 (en)
HK (1) HK1201606A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2013007164A (en)
RU (1) RU2013115714A (en)
TW (1) TW201433341A (en)
WO (1) WO2014133556A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW201609228A (en) * 2014-05-22 2016-03-16 維基帕德有限公司 Game controller
JP6990962B2 (en) * 2014-06-09 2022-01-12 雅人 桑原 Information processing equipment
US11045723B1 (en) 2014-11-18 2021-06-29 Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Gaming controller for mobile device and method of operating a gaming controller
US9778778B2 (en) * 2014-11-25 2017-10-03 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Removable input/output module with adjustment mechanism
TWI768538B (en) * 2020-11-11 2022-06-21 寶德科技股份有限公司 Gaming controller

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100250815A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2010-09-30 Armoured Technology Developments Limited Portable docking cradle
US20120026118A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-02 Google Inc. Mapping trackpad operations to touchscreen events
US20120236485A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2012-09-20 Over The Sun, Llc Tablet Computer

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5401091A (en) * 1993-08-06 1995-03-28 Landry; Christian C. Molded bumper rail for a portable computer
US5936539A (en) * 1996-03-19 1999-08-10 Siemens Medical Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for automatic configuration of a network node
US6710764B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2004-03-23 Logitech Europe S.A. Method and system for processing force feedback effects generated at a host for playback at a physical interaction device
US6530838B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2003-03-11 Mobilink Telecom Co., Ltd. Game pad connectable to personal portable terminal
US6795304B1 (en) 2001-04-27 2004-09-21 Palmone, Inc. Keyboard sled with rotating screen
US7627343B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2009-12-01 Apple Inc. Media player system
US7499269B2 (en) 2004-05-10 2009-03-03 Peter Allen Security clamp lock for notebook computer or other personal electronic device
US7818668B2 (en) 2005-04-19 2010-10-19 Microsoft Corporation Determining fields for presentable files
US7942745B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2011-05-17 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US8226459B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2012-07-24 Wms Gaming, Inc. Handheld wagering game machine and docking unit
JP5427343B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2014-02-26 任天堂株式会社 Game controller
US8100769B2 (en) 2007-05-09 2012-01-24 Nintendo Co., Ltd. System and method for using accelerometer outputs to control an object rotating on a display
US8180295B2 (en) 2007-07-19 2012-05-15 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Bluetooth enabled computing system and associated methods
US8359373B2 (en) 2008-02-06 2013-01-22 Broadcom Corporation Handheld computing unit of a computing device with an extended computing unit
US20090291760A1 (en) 2008-05-22 2009-11-26 Bennett Hepburn Video Gaming Controller Bay for Mobile Devices
US8939838B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2015-01-27 Apple Inc. Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device
CN201286123Y (en) * 2008-10-06 2009-08-05 陈清海 Entertaining mobile phone combining mobile phone and game handle
CN201563820U (en) * 2009-09-08 2010-09-01 温州大学 Mobile phone sleeve with game paddle function
US20110260969A1 (en) 2010-04-21 2011-10-27 Brandon Workman Removably attachable controller for portable electronic devices
CN201832412U (en) * 2010-09-07 2011-05-18 陈克勇 Ipod touch handle
WO2013095703A1 (en) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-27 Wikipad, Inc. Game controller

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100250815A1 (en) * 2006-07-25 2010-09-30 Armoured Technology Developments Limited Portable docking cradle
US20120236485A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2012-09-20 Over The Sun, Llc Tablet Computer
US20120026118A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-02 Google Inc. Mapping trackpad operations to touchscreen events

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2772824A2 (en) 2014-09-03
RU2013115714A (en) 2014-10-20
MX2013007164A (en) 2014-09-01
CA2815988A1 (en) 2014-08-28
JP2014170514A (en) 2014-09-18
AU2013203084A1 (en) 2014-09-11
TW201433341A (en) 2014-09-01
HK1201606A1 (en) 2015-09-04
US20130178286A1 (en) 2013-07-11
CN104020821A (en) 2014-09-03
US8944913B2 (en) 2015-02-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9005026B2 (en) Game controller for tablet computer
WO2013095703A1 (en) Game controller
US9114319B2 (en) Game controller
US8187095B2 (en) Universal game console controller
US8944912B2 (en) Combination game controller and information input device for a tablet computer
WO2014133556A1 (en) Tablet computer with grip rail and game controller
JP2013128744A5 (en)
CA2815982A1 (en) Combination tablet computer and game controller with flexible bridge section
US20240115936A1 (en) Ergonomic game controller and system
EP2985058A2 (en) Game controller
NO20150673A1 (en) Combination game controller and information input device
NZ708656A (en) Game controller
WO2021133276A1 (en) A new game controller device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13876431

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: NOTING OF LOSS OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RULE 112(1) EPC (EPO FORM 1205N DATED 04/11/2015)

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13876431

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1